13 Best WWE Matches Of 2016 (So Far)

Payback is an early contender for the best pay-per-view of the half-year and the heated, personal grudge match between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens is a big reason why.

The bout, two years in the making, was the culmination of weeks of seething hatred and brawls around the arena. As intensely personal as the feud was, the superb in-ring performers opted not for a chaotic brawl but, rather, an outstanding wrestling match that put their skills on display. For nearly 15 minutes, the action was nonstop and hard-hitting. The lariat executed by Zayn was particularly nasty, as was the superkick from Owens that setup the finish.

Despite a resilient performance, Zayn ultimately succumbed to the Pop-up Powerbomb courtesy of his friend-turned-enemy.

KO and The Underdog from the Underground were put in an unenviable position. On the heels of a very scary, very real injury suffered by Enzo Amore, they arrived on the scene to a hushed and uncomfortable silence. Determined to steal the show and pick up the spirits of the fans at the same time, they came through in a big way.

High drama and intense dislike came together to create a match that ranked just below another Zayn classic from the first-half of 2016.